August 10, (THEWILL) – Stallion Auto Keke Limited, a member of the Stallion Group and the Sole Distributor of the world-leading Bajaj three-wheelers and four-wheelers in Nigeria has announced the sale of over 50,000 units of their products across the country.
The company disclosed that there has been tremendous growth and significant successes despite the many challenges as it celebrates its first anniversary in the Nigeria market.
With about 90 percent market share in the Northern part of the country, the brand has also demonstrated strong position in the Southern states, including: Bayelsa, Delta, Abia, Rivers, etc, with the ratio of 60:40 in Northern and Southern parts of the country respectively.
Speaking at the one year anniversary and the company’s journey since it began operations in Nigeria, the Managing Director, Stallion Auto KeKe Limited, Mr Manish Rohtagi, stated that, despite challenges, Stallion Auto Keke Limited or Stallion-Bajaj, as the company is mostly referred to, has emerged stronger and better.
Rohtagi listed these challenges to include: Stiff competition, shifting consumer mindset, increase in the foreign exchange rate, stringent government policies (Keke ban across some states) and more.
According to Rohtagi “We are excited to announce that we have recorded over 10,000 happy customers and more than 50,000 Keke sales across the country. It was indeed remarkable when we recorded a market share (India Export Figures) of 49% during the financial year 20-21 against 35% during 19-20. Precisely, we achieved a market share of 55% in the last quarter of the FY 20-21, Jan-Mar’21, and not only that, we have made huge inroads in East, Ibadan and Lagos.
“It is noteworthy that we are also delivering huge value to the Nigerian society through our various initiatives. We are committed to the empowerment of Nigerians in general and especially young women which is why our expansive Stallion Empowerment Initiative (SEI) programme focuses on female three-wheeler drivers, mechanical training and assembling. More than 2000 young women have benefited. In addition to this, we train females on financial management, inventory management and other aspects of management.”
In November last year, the company launched the RE 250 along with the unveiling of Nigeria’s superstar footballer, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, in the presence of over 100 keke dealers and other prominent members at an event held in Lagos.
Fielding questions from journalists, Jay-Jay Okocha said that he is very happy to be an Ambassador of the brand as it is a good product, adding that, there have been certain levels of improvements.
Okocha who said he grabbed the opportunity with two hands said, “It was great when I visited a state in Nigeria and I got good feedbacks, not just from the riders but from the dealers as well. The company wants to use me reach out to their customers and that is exactly what I am doing.
“Keke generates employment for those in SME. It was very interesting to me. Keke is encouraging as it has come to empower a lot of Nigerian youths. It also creates a platform for an average Nigerian to build up. Keke does not just only come as cheap means of transport but equally solves other problems. It has certain level of protection and comfort on the road”.
Emphasising that he is proud of the partnership with Keke Auto brand, Okocha added: “I derive joy in what I do and I have pride in whatever decision I take. I try to make progress and put in my best. This is a project I am proud of.”
The launch of the Superkeke was themed, “Bigger Heart, Stronger Body” to mark the brand’s association with the legendary football star and the company’s desire to provide a better, stronger and more reliable keke for the Nigerian people.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
